Investigating legal aid abuse

It is important that only those who are financially eligible receive legal aid, and that solicitors and advocates are only paid the appropriate amount for the work they have done.

We can stop someone’s legal aid at any time if we find that they have misled us, and they may have to repay money we have paid for the case. Sometimes there could also be a criminal prosecution.

If you are an applicant for civil legal assistance:

It is very important that the information you provide about your circumstances is complete and accurate. It is a criminal offence to give false information. If we find that you have made an untrue statement or have held back information about either your case or your circumstances, we may stop any legal aid given to you and you may have to repay the full costs of the case. You could also face criminal charges. We have a duty to make sure public money is properly spent and we check with the Department for Work and Pensions, councils and employers that the information applicants give us is accurate.
You can read more about your responsibilities in Civil legal aid - information for applicants.

If you are an opponent in a civil legal aid case

If you are the opponent of someone who has applied for civil legal aid, you have the right to object to an application for, or grant of, civil legal aid. If you think the applicant has misled us about his or her circumstances, you need to tell us exactly how. We investigate allegations based on evidence you and the applicant give us. You can read more in our leaflet "Guidance for opponents in civil legal aid cases."

If you wish to contact us about investigations issues, you can email Investigations or read our full contact details.